logo
Tax season is a prime time for scams. IRS uncertainty could add to the issues this year

Tax season is a prime time for scams. IRS uncertainty could add to the issues this year

Independent24-03-2025

There's a lot of information (and money) on the table during tax season. That also makes it a prime time for scams.
Year-round, fraudsters may use a handful of common tactics to try to steal your identity, money or other sensitive information. As you prepare your annual tax return, due April 15, experts stress it's important to be extra vigilant.
This year, scammers might take particular advantage of uncertainty stemming from recent workforce cuts impacting thousands of jobs at the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. These layoffs and the potential for even more widespread reductions also raise questions about resources, including the IRS 's bandwidth to respond to scams reported by consumers.
Here's what to know about tax scams and how to stay safe:
Identify the signs of tax scams
Tax scammers may try to reach you in a number of different ways — from lookalike emails, texts or phone calls impersonating the IRS to unsolicited social media offers that promise a suspiciously high refund. But there are a handful of common red flags to keep an eye out for, including:
— Sense of urgency
— Isolation tactics or threats
— Promises of a big payday
— Suspicious website links
Cybersecurity experts stress that scammers prey on emotion — and will often try to evoke fear or uncertainty. Many tax scams will ask you to act fast or click on a malicious link right away. Others will make you think you did something wrong, going as far as threatening an arrest if you don't respond. Scammers may also isolate you from contacting others, such as a trusted accounting professional or even a family member.
Many tax scams also advertise big payouts, but at a price. Some "ghost' preparers, for example, will charge you for preparing your tax return — often with promises of maximizing your refund — but never sign it. They may then file a fraudulent return in your name, with an inflated income or fake deductions to boost the refund, and switch the bank account listed to claim your money.
The IRS will never initiate contact via email, text or social media with requests for your personal information — and urges consumers to only use trusted, accredited tax professionals if you need help preparing your return. Those who have fallen victim to scams are also encouraged to report them. You can find more information on the agency's official website.
What's different this year?
Tax scams can be all the more convincing if they meet the moment. And this year, experts warn that cyber criminals or 'social engineers' might take particular advantage of uncertainty around the IRS cuts.
'Uncertainty is probably one of the biggest motivating emotions that social engineers take advantage of,' said Dave Chronister, a prominent 'ethical hacker' and CEO of Parameter Security, noting that scammers might use news of these cuts and impersonate the IRS to falsely promise taxpayers 'new' ways of filing.
Similar tactics emerged during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and following legitimate rounds of federal aid — with some scammers making false claims about additional stimulus checks, for example.
All it takes is just 'a little bit of common knowledge' to 'nudge you' into trusting them, Chronister explains.
Beyond how scammers use the news, the IRS workforce cuts could slow the agency's ability to actually respond to scams, Chronister and others note. As a result, malicious websites or predatory social media campaigns may not be taken down as quickly — and victims of fraudulent returns could have to wait longer for answers.
'There is potential for reduced oversight,' said Chris Pierson, chief executive of cybersecurity firm BlackCloak. 'If you have less individuals to be proactive within an agency that is housing, I mean, an amazing treasure trove of data and information — that obviously is concerning ... (and could) create a riskier environment for the consumer.'
Asked for comment, the IRS pointed to its 'Dirty Dozen' list of common tax scams to watch out for this year, among other steps taxpayers can take to protect themselves from identity theft and fraud. But the agency did not immediately comment on whether recent or future workforce cuts would impact its enforcement resources.
Scams are also becoming more sophisticated, most recently thanks to the rising adoption of generative artificial intelligence. Experts warn that this technology is being used create 'hyper-realistic' phishing messages, including video or audio deepfakes, and can allow scammers to target more people at once through automation.
Pierson also warns of the fallout from recent high-profile data breaches — including the National Public Data breach, which made headlines last year for reportedly leaking a massive amount of sensitive information on the dark web, including full names, social security numbers, contact information and mailing addresses. Having that information out there could lead to more fraudulent filings, he explains, or 'confidence scams" — where cyber criminals share one piece of information they have, like an address, to get people to trust them and share more.
How can I protect my information and money?
File as soon as you can.
Nobody is eager to sit down and do their taxes, but getting it out of the way early — and before any scammers potentially try to file something in your name — makes a huge difference, Chronister explains. He adds that taxpayers can play it safe by sticking to what they know.
'If you've always been using TurboTax, use TurboTax. If you always use an accountant, use your accountant," Chronister said. He notes that you should also keep your information safe by password-protecting any past filings downloaded to your device and using a VPN when on public Wi-Fi.
The IRS also suggests setting up an identity protection PIN, a six-digit number that can help protect you from someone else filing in your name. You can also freeze your credit — which experts recommend as an added line of defense against future identity theft and fraud, even if you haven't been scammed. Freezing your credit prevents any new credit accounts from being created in your name. And you can always temporarily 'unfreeze' if a check is needed to rent an apartment or apply for a loan. Credit freezes can be set up through three nationwide credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
And, again, remember that the IRS won't randomly contact you by email, text or phone. When in doubt, go to the official IRS website and reach out directly.
Avoiding scams can also come down to pausing before you click or act on anything. 'Take a breath, count to 10 and then go, 'OK ... is this too good to be true?'" Chronister sad. "'Is my gut telling me something is off?''
Chronister adds that social engineering is about emotion, not intelligence — and anyone can fall for it.
'It's human to fall for these (scams)," he said. "They've been here since the beginning of mankind ... So you have to stay vigilant, but don't panic. Just keep your gut check going.'

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Army scrubs vid of parade tank with 'Hang Fauci & Bill Gates' graffiti
Army scrubs vid of parade tank with 'Hang Fauci & Bill Gates' graffiti

The Herald Scotland

timean hour ago

  • The Herald Scotland

Army scrubs vid of parade tank with 'Hang Fauci & Bill Gates' graffiti

The death threat to Fauci and Gates - two people who have drawn the ire of President Donald Trump's MAGA base - was painted on a train car marked DODX, property of the Defense Department. Steve Warren, an Army spokesperson, said the Army has no plans to investigate. "We removed the post once notified of graffiti on the train that didn't align with Army values," he said. "We are excited to celebrate 250 years of service to the nation next week." Dr. Anthony Fauci, who led the government's response to COVID during Trump's first term, and Bill Gates, the billionaire Microsoft founder, are frequent targets of criticism from Republicans and Trump's supporters. Fauci has said he received a deluge of death threats and harassment since he became a magnet for right-wing outrage as the head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases during the Pandemic, making him the public face of many pandemic social distancing policies and the COVID vaccine. Republicans have accused him of funding the Chinese government to create the virus and conservative firebrand Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said he "belongs in prison." "I still think deep down that there's a possibility that somebody's going to kill me," Fauci told USA TODAY in a 2024 interview. Former President Joe Biden issued a preemptive pardon for Fauci before he left office, anticipating that Trump would seek revenge against the doctor. Days into his second term, Trump pulled federal funding for Fauci's security detail. Gates, a Democratic Party donor who contributed millions to Kamala Harris' presidential campaign, also frequently pops up in some conspiracy theories. He has funded vaccination campaigns in poor countries, fueling online speculation that his vaccines contain microchips to track people. Dozens of tanks to roll through Washington streets The tank in the video was one of 28 tanks and more than two dozen armored vehicles making the weeks-long, cross-country journey to appear in the Army's 250th anniversary parade in the nation's capital on June 14. The tanks and vehicles will be unloaded from the train cars on June 9 in Jessup, Maryland, and transported to downtown Washington by truck. More: Trump's getting his military parade. Here's what they look like from France to Russia The Army is also laying down steel plates on spots in the parade route where the tanks will turn to protect the roads and has said it will pay for any damage they sustain. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said on May 29 she is still "concerned" about road damage. The parade has faced scrutiny for conspicuously falling on President Donald Trump's birthday - also June 14. Trump pushed for a military parade during this first term but canceled his plans after pushback from Democrats and local politicians over the cost and logistics. This time around, the parade is estimated to cost as much as $40 million. Around 7,000 soldiers will also arrive in Washington for the occasion, which will also feature historic warplanes, helicopters, parachutists, and a bevy of events and entertainment.

Policing is about making hard choices - and it always has been
Policing is about making hard choices - and it always has been

Scotsman

time2 hours ago

  • Scotsman

Policing is about making hard choices - and it always has been

PA Without adequate resources, what are the police to do less of ? Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... It was no coincidence when last week police chiefs in England and Wales publicly warned that unless more funding came their way some policing tasks could not be done. The week before the government's Spending Review is prime time for shroud waving , all non-ringfenced departments will be doing it , either by the front pages or the back channels. But that doesn't mean the problems are not real. Policing structures south of the border desperately need reformed , but that in itself is expensive , and in the meantime police forces face the intractable problem of increasing demand and shrinking resources. Something has got to give . Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Here in Scotland , our national police service is the end result of a long process of reform , but after 12 years of cost cutting it too is struggling to make ends meet . The recent rise in employees national insurance didn't help , adding millions to the wage bill, but with well over a billion pounds taken out of policing since 2013 the underfunding is deep seated. Policing is a people business and if savings are to be made it's inevitably the head count that suffers . Police Scotland has now got fewer staff than at any time in its existence and are finding it hard to recruit . The Covid pandemic changed much , including the world of work. Home and part time working are now seen as a right rather than a privilege. For that and other reasons a life in policing is not been seen by some as the attractive proposition it once was. Anti-social hours , and regular exposure to aggression and violence do not come top of many checklists. But there are other problems in policing , one illustrated perfectly by a recent news feature on the work of Police Scotland's Online Sexual Abuse Unit. In yet another societal change since the pandemic , online sexual offending has risen by 30 per cent in the last decade, with no sign of levelling out . Rising demand of this kind must be met with a professional response , and that means more specialist officers, taken from the street and trained for their onerous task . Online crime is just one example of societal change that affects policing , but there are many more , and while it will be cold comfort to today's police chiefs, the truth is that from the dawn of policing it has always been this way. For close to two hundred years policing has been adapting to change , whether it was the coming of the railways and travelling criminals in the 19th, or the introduction of the motor car with all its problems and new legislation in the early 20th century, there has always been a need to adapt and make hard choices. In my time the appearance of illegal drugs in the 1970s changed everything once again, and remains of the most deadly destroyers of young lives and drivers of crime. Then came the internet and the digital world that changed the world of crime again . Throughout , the police service has prioritised and adapted - but there's a limit , and police chiefs are right to pose the question . It's easy to take on more and more new tasks, but with shrinking resources it eventually means we must do less of others. And that's the real question for our political leaders . Without adequate resources, what are the police to do less of ?

Woman tortured and raped by evil ex for 13 years finally escaped after meeting kind stranger
Woman tortured and raped by evil ex for 13 years finally escaped after meeting kind stranger

Daily Record

time3 hours ago

  • Daily Record

Woman tortured and raped by evil ex for 13 years finally escaped after meeting kind stranger

Michael Christie terrorised Emma Louise Goddard after meeting her when she was just 15-years-old. A woman who was raped and tortured by her sick ex during his 13-year reign of terror finally escaped after breaking down to a stranger in the street. Vile Michael Christie, 52, brutally attacked Emma Goddard, 36, for over a decade before she found the courage to leave him. ‌ The mum said she had "accepted" the abuse as part of her daily life until a kind local woman asked her about her black eyes. ‌ Speaking to the Record, Emma-Louise revealed the chance encounter led to the woman persuading her to phone the police. She said: "The abuse had been going on so long that I was just going through the motions. I has accepted it as part of my life. "But a woman stopped me in the street one day after noticing my black eyes and asked me if I was okay. "I guess I was just ready to open up. I told her everything and handed me her phone so I could call the police and woman's aid. "He was arrested that night." ‌ Speaking on her horror ordeal at the hands of Evil Christie, Emma-Louise said: "I was just a teenager when I met him. He made sure I was very quickly estranged from my friends and family as he took control of my life. Then he started the sexual and physical abuse. "He would rape me when I was sleeping and then continue doing so when I woke up. "He was constantly attacking me and the neighbours would hear and phone the police but he had me under his spell and I never said anything when they arrived." ‌ "I was completely terrified and so isolated that I just felt powerless." Emma-Louise suffered a broken collar-bone, fingers and toes at Christie's hands but said two episodes of abuse terrified her more than any others - when she was locked up and separately subjected to a torture method known as waterboarding. ‌ She continued: "We were living in a flat in Clydebank in the winter of 2010, but he got some work in Thurso cutting down Christmas trees. "So he decided to lock me up for four days and he wouldn't let me have a phone, so I was trapped in there. "I didn't have much food and was completely terrified. If I had some sort of medical emergency I would have had no way of getting help. ‌ "Another day in 2014, he attacked me and I was sure he was going to kill me. "He used handcuffs to chain me to a radiator in the bathroom and stuck a towel over my face and poured water over it. "I've since learned this is called waterboarding. At the time, I thought I was about to die." ‌ Emma-Louise said Christie would even force her to move to different addresses when neighbours noticed something was wrong to avoid attention of the cops. But after he was arrested, Emma-Louise faced an agonising wait for justice due to delays in the case going to court amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. Christie was finally found guilty in April this year after a trial in Glasgow where he was convicted of multiple rapes and assault to severe injury and permanent disfigurement between 2003 and 2016. ‌ The brute was sentenced to 16 years in i n prison on May 12. Reacting to the sentence, Emma-Louise said: "It took a long time for him to be convicted but thankfully he was given a long sentence by the courts. ‌ "But the ordeal he put me through was far more punishing and I need to live with the trauma for the rest of my life. "People like him don't care about the consequences of their actions, but I hope any women reading this who are being abused realise that it just takes one phone call - like the one I made the day I met that woman - and everything can change." Detective Chief Inspector Jennifer McCulloch, of Ayrshire CID said: 'We acknowledge the sentencing of Christie, who will now face the consequences of actions. 'We remain committed to thoroughly investigating those responsible for these types of crimes and bringing them to justice. 'Any form of sexual abuse is a serious criminal offence and is a priority for Police Scotland. We encourage anyone with concerns about abuse, or a potential victim, to contact police immediately.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store